[Clinical and immunologic characteristics of various forms of acute peritonitis].

The condition of the cellular link of the immune system was studied in 30 patients with various forms of acute peritonitis. It was found that the reaction of the immune system in peritonitis is characterized by a phase property and is manifested by processes of redistribution and activation of the immunocompetent cells and normalization of reactivity. The ratio of these phases is determined by the severity of inflammation and intoxication. It is shown that inhibition of the immune system is most marked in diffuse peritonitis, which is due to the higher absorption capacity of the peritoneum in this stage of the pathological process. It was established that the response of the immune system to the operative trauma depends on the spread of peritonitis. The number of T-helpers, T-suppressors, and activated lymphocytes and the activity of the neutrophil alkaline phosphatase are most important in the prognosis of postoperative complications. These parameters may also be used in assessment of the efficacy of immunomodulation with levamisole.